Let’s talk about why women in midlife and older are at risk for developing disordered eating.

Other than the obvious health fears and concerns, why are we MORE vulnerable to diet and wellness culture as we age? Let's get into it.

We live in a culture with a clear body hierarchy. Youth is highly valued, and as we get older, we feel less relevant.

Our culture also values thin and fit/able bodies.

Please hear me-you are the expert on your body, and I respect and affirm that. I trust that you know what is best for you.

If you have a health concern or medical diagnosis impacted by your eating, this does not mean you cannot pursue body liberation. Being anti-diet/wellness doesn't mean you have to eat all foods. It means you get to make choices about how you nourish and care for your body that is rooted in your attunement with your body, not diet/wellness culture rules. Discovering this sweet spot is a game-changer!

Imagine that you are moving through your day, feeling pretty comfortable when you receive an unexpected visit from someone from your childhood-an old friend, a cousin, your sister, or your mom. When you see who's at the door, you run to the kitchen and quickly put away the package of cookies or push the empty ice cream container underneath the garbage in the bin. As you do this, you feel stressed, maybe even panicked, guilty, and likely even some shame.

What the heck just happened?!

Midlife means Change. Heck, menopause was actually called "The Change" when I was a kid. Most of what is familiar in your life, including your body, begins to shift under your feet. Most, if not all, of these changes, are outside your control.

The last thing we need is societal pressure to manipulate our behaviors in order to stop the natural changes in our bodies. Instead of feeling pressured to freeze our bodies in time, wouldn't it be liberating and comforting to hear:

Life is long; bodies change, and that's okay. We have to remind ourselves and one another of this truth.

Lapsing into your old ED thoughts and behaviors is understandable.

What's different this time? You may feel like your ED behaviors are hiding in plain sight. No one seems to notice; it is your secret.

Eating disorders in midlife and beyond are rarely recognized as the serious problem they are for several reasons:

We all know the loud, pushy messages from ageist diet/wellness culture we receive at precisely this time of our lives. We are particularly vulnerable to these threats and promises now because we feel our bodies and lives are "out of control." Diet/Wellness Culture directives would have us respond to the changes in our bodies during this chapter of life by restricting what we eat. 

But there's something you should know. 

The brain is the organ affected first and foremost when you are undernourished. 

We women in midlife and beyond are dismantling our inherited diet/wellness culture beliefs and the anti-aging messages we've been sold while also repairing the damage we may have passed along.